Thursday, 10 September 2015

Tony Abbott gets it right on Syrian refugees

The Australian
Tony Abbott got the policy and the politics of Syria right
yesterday. He was a bit slow off the mark at the weekend but he quickly
identified this shortcoming, read the community sentiment ­accurately
and drove government processes to produce a credible policy response. .....In particular, this act of generosity is possible only because the flow
of illegal immigrants by boat to Australia from the north has been
halted. ......But the Australian people want to know that it is their government
that controls Australia’s borders, and that refugees come here in an
orderly way, given that there is no immediate neighbour from which
anyone can legitimately be fleeing persecution to Australia.
In other words, this generous action is possible only because of Abbott’s success in stopping the boats."

Turning back refugee boats saves lives - as Australia found out"The conclusion from the Australian experience is that those who benefit
most from tough border protection are the immigrants who come here
fairly and legally. Strict controls help dampen down xenophobia, and
ensure that decent treatment is given to those seeking the nation’s
hospitality. If only you Poms had not surrendered your sovereignty to
Brussels! " (Spectator, Australia)